Questions about 2 Timothy
2 Timothy is one of the Pastoral Epistles written by the apostle Paul to Timothy, his “beloved child” in the faith. This letter contains Paul’s encouragements, instructions, and warnings to the young Timothy as he continues to shepherd the church in Ephesus. Here are some common questions people have about 2 Timothy:
1. Who wrote 2 Timothy?
2 Timothy was written by the apostle Paul shortly before his martyrdom in Rome around AD 67. This is clear from the first verse where Paul identifies himself as the author (2 Timothy 1:1). Though some scholars have questioned the authorship of the Pastoral Epistles, the majority view throughout church history affirms Paul as the author of 2 Timothy.
2. Who was Timothy and what was his relationship with Paul?
Timothy was a young man from Lystra who became a disciple of Christ during Paul’s first missionary journey (Acts 16:1-3). Paul took Timothy under his wing and mentored him in ministry. Timothy traveled extensively with Paul and assisted him in his missionary work. Paul often refers to Timothy as his “son” or “child” in the faith (1 Timothy 1:2, 18; 2 Timothy 1:2; 2:1). The close relationship between Paul and Timothy is evident in this personal and pastoral letter.
3. When was 2 Timothy written?
Paul wrote this letter around AD 67 near the end of his life when he was imprisoned in Rome awaiting execution under Nero. Paul senses that his death is imminent as he writes, “For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come” (2 Timothy 4:6). The situation reflects Paul’s second Roman imprisonment described in 2 Timothy prior to his martyrdom.
4. What is the purpose and message of 2 Timothy?
Paul’s overarching purpose is to encourage Timothy to persevere in his calling despite hardships. Paul charges Timothy to fan into flame his spiritual gift and continue preaching the word (1:6-7; 4:2). He also warns Timothy about false teachers and exhorts him to avoid useless quarreling (2:14, 23). Paul reminds Timothy of the power of Scripture and to continue in what he has learned (3:14-17). As Paul faces death, he longs to see Timothy one last time and requests that he come to him soon (4:9, 21).
5. What is the outline and key themes of 2 Timothy?
Here is a broad outline of 2 Timothy with some of its major themes:
I. Greeting (1:1-2)
II. Thanksgiving and Charge to Timothy (1:3-18)
– Theme of not being ashamed of the gospel or Paul (1:8, 12, 16)
– Theme of guarding the deposit of faith (1:13-14)
III. Exhortations to Timothy (2:1-26)
– Theme of entrusting the gospel to faithful men (2:2)
– Theme of persevering like a soldier, athlete, and farmer (2:3-7)
– Theme of avoiding quarrels (2:23-26)
IV. Warning about Godlessness in the Last Days (3:1-17)
– Description of wickedness in the culture (3:1-9)
– Theme of continuing in Christian truth and Scripture (3:10-17)
V. Charge to Preach the Word (4:1-5)
VI. Paul’s Final Greetings (4:6-22)
– Theme of persevering to the end (4:6-8)
– Theme of Timothy visiting Paul soon (4:9, 21)
6. What warnings about false teachers are given in 2 Timothy?
Paul gives stern warnings about false teachers who will arise in the last days and draw followers after them (2 Timothy 3:1-9; 4:3-4). He describes them as conceited, unholy, insubordinate, and depraved. They will oppose the truth and be under the influence of deceiving spirits and demonic teachings. Paul tells Timothy to avoid such godless chatter and empty talk since it breeds further ungodliness (2:16-17). He charges Timothy to be diligent in rightly handling God’s word of truth (2:15).
7. What instructions does Paul give Timothy about preaching?
Paul’s main charge to Timothy in this letter is to preach the word (2 Timothy 4:2). He tells Timothy to correct, rebuke, and encourage with great patience and careful instruction. He should keep his head in all situations, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, and discharge his ministry fully. Paul reminds Timothy of the power of God’s word and the importance of preaching Scripture, especially in light of coming apostasy. This constitutes Paul’s final passionate appeal to his disciple.
8. How does Paul encourage Timothy in the midst of persecution and suffering?
Paul reminds Timothy to fan into flame the spiritual gift he received rather than shrink back in fear (1:6-7). He should join with Paul in suffering for the gospel (1:8) and not be ashamed of testifying for the Lord. Paul cites the example of Onesiphorus who often refreshed him and was not ashamed of Paul’s chains (1:16-18). Paul exhorts Timothy to share in suffering like a good soldier of Christ (2:3) and remember Christ’s resurrection that abolished death (2:8). He gives the examples of his own endurance (3:10-11) and the persecutions he suffered (3:11).
9. How does Paul view his own coming death in 2 Timothy?
Paul faces imminent death but views it as the next step in faithful service to Christ. He states “the time of my departure has come” (4:6) and anticipates entering the eternal kingdom of God after having “fought the good fight.” While sad to leave his ministry, Paul has finished the race and kept the faith (4:7). He longs to see Timothy one more time before his execution and requests that Timothy make haste to come to him soon (4:9, 21). Paul sees death as ushering him into God’s heavenly presence.
10. What is the meaning of 2 Timothy 2:15?
2 Timothy 2:15 says, “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.” This verse charges Timothy to diligently study Scripture and preach it without distortion. He is to handle God’s word accurately and avoid false teachings. This requires effort and excellence on Timothy’s part to correctly understand and explain the Bible. The ESV translates it well – Timothy is to be diligent in his ministry to handle God’s word properly as he teaches.
11. What does 2 Timothy 3:16-17 teach about Scripture?
2 Timothy 3:16-17 says, “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” This key passage teaches that the Bible comes from God’s own mouth and has divine authority. Scripture is useful for building up Christians in truth and righteousness. The Bible fully equips believers for ministry and good works. This highlights the importance of Scripture in the life of the church.
12. What is Paul’s charge to Timothy in 2 Timothy 4:2?
2 Timothy 4:2 contains Paul’s solemn charge to Timothy: “Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching.” Paul commands Timothy to preach Scripture at all times, even when it’s difficult or unpopular. He must correct and encourage others patiently using God’s word. This verse encapsulates Paul’s central appeal to Timothy – to faithfully minister through bold, biblical preaching despite opposition and suffering.
13. Why does Paul say “I am already being poured out as a drink offering” in 2 Timothy 4:6?
In 2 Timothy 4:6 Paul says, “For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come.” Here Paul uses symbolic language from Old Testament sacrificial offerings to refer to his imminent martyrdom. Drink offerings of wine would be poured out on the sacrificial altar. Paul sees his own death as an act of spiritual sacrifice and worship to God. He is ready to be “poured out” and to depart this earthly life at any time for the sake of Christ.
14. What is the meaning of 2 Timothy 1:7?
2 Timothy 1:7 says, “For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.” This verse encourages Timothy by reminding him that the Holy Spirit empowers believers for ministry. Though Timothy may feel inadequate or fearful in his duties, the Spirit gives strength, love, and discipline to carry out God’s work. This applies to all Christians facing spiritual opposition and tasks that seem too difficult in their own power.
15. How does Paul describe the last days in 2 Timothy 3:1-5?
In 2 Timothy 3:1-5, Paul provides this description of the godlessness in the last days: “People will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God.” Paul warns that wickedness and rebellion against God will increase, yet Timothy must continue in what he has learned from Scripture (3:14-17).
16. What does it mean that Paul says to Timothy, “Do not be ashamed, then, of the testimony about our Lord” in 2 Timothy 1:8?
In the face of persecution, Paul exhorts Timothy not to be ashamed of testifying about Christ but to join in suffering for the gospel (2 Timothy 1:8). Though proclaiming Jesus may bring hostility and opposition, Timothy must have power, love and self-discipline to openly teach the truth. Paul similarly encourages Timothy not to be ashamed of him as a prisoner for the faith but to continue in what he has learned (1:12-14). Sharing one’s faith requires courage despite shame or chains.
17. What does 2 Timothy 2:2 reveal about discipleship and teaching?
2 Timothy 2:2 says, “and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also.” Here Paul instructs Timothy to take what he learned from Paul and teach it to other trustworthy men who can then teach others. This demonstrates the importance of discipleship – teaching should extend to multiple spiritual generations. Knowledge of Christ must be faithfully transmitted to ensure the church’s continuity.
18. What false teachings was Timothy facing in Ephesus according to 2 Timothy?
Though not explained in detail, the false teachers in Ephesus promoted controversies, speculation, and arguments over words that spread like gangrene (2 Tim 2:14-17). They opposed the truth and had corrupt, depraved minds (2 Tim 3:8). They taught myths, rules of man, and exercised autoritarianism over followers (2 Tim 4:3-4). They likely incorporated elements of Greek philosophy, Jewish legalism, and asceticism that diminished Christ and the gospel. Timothy had to confront their errors with Scripture.
19. How does Paul describe a noble soldier, athlete, and farmer in 2 Timothy 2:3-7?
In 2 Timothy 2:3-7, Paul uses analogies to encourage Timothy to discipline and dedication in ministry:
– Soldier – endures suffering, avoids civilian affairs
– Athlete – competes to win, follows the rules
– Farmer – labors hard before partaking in the harvest
Like them, Timothy must focus on pleasing Christ, not compromising with the world. He must work hard in advancing the gospel despite difficulties. Paul urges steadfast commitment as in these examples.
20. What is the meaning of Paul’s request to Timothy, “When you come, bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas” (2 Timothy 4:13)?
Paul’s mention of a cloak left in Troas gives us a glimpse into some of the small logistical details faced by travelers in the early church. Winter was approaching as Paul wrote from prison, so he would need his warm cloak for protection from the elements. He likely left it for safekeeping with a contact named Carpus in Troas. Paul’s request reveals his simple human needs and the supportive care shown between brothers in Christ.
This request also shows Paul’s expectation of seeing Timothy again soon before his death, since Timothy could then bring the cloak. It reflects their close relationship and Paul’s imminent suffering and martyrdom.